When an individual is arrested for robbery in San Antonio, the legal system starts moving immediately to address the crime in a way meant to protect the public while ensuring the legal rights of the person charged.
Robbery is a serious felony offense in Texas. Someone charged with it must proceed quickly and decisively to exercise the options available to them, to pursue the best possible outcome. This requires understanding the legal system and how bail works.
Understanding Robbery Charges in Texas
Robbery is a category of theft. When someone commits robbery, they steal something from another person and, while doing so, either:
- Cause bodily injury, or;
- Make someone fear imminent bodily injury.
A more serious charge, aggravated robbery, is when someone committing robbery:
- Causes serious bodily injury to someone, or;
- Uses or displays a deadly weapon, or;
- Causes bodily injury to somebody 65 years or older, or who is disabled.
For someone facing robbery charges, getting bailed out is more costly and more difficult the more severe the charge.
What Happens After a Robbery Arrest in San Antonio
Someone arrested for robbery in San Antonio will be processed (“booked”) at the Bexar County Jail. Booking includes:
- Filling out of paperwork by police officers and jail administration;
- Fingerprinting of the arrested party;
- A search for contraband or weapons;
- The assignment of a formal charge.
Processing can take a few hours, after which time the arrested party can make a phone call to inform family of their circumstances and location. Usually within 48 hours, the arrested party has bail set by a magistrate.
Bail Considerations for Robbery Charges
Magistrates use charge severity, prior criminal history, perceived risk of skipping court, and other factors to determine bail for robbery. Higher risk and more severe charges mean higher bail, or possibly bail denial.
Working With a Bail Bond Company in Robbery Cases
In San Antonio, people can use a bail bond company (aka a “bail bondsman”) to bail out a loved one arrested for robbery.
A bail bondsman supplies the court with the full bail, in exchange for a non-refundable fee (or “bond”) paid by a representative (“co-signer”) of the person arrested. The bondsman receives the money back from the court when the arrested party adheres to all bail conditions and court dates.
The bondsman will need information like:
- Contact information;
- Full account of the arrested party’s criminal history;
- Information on the charges the person is facing;
- Possible list of items for collateral (for big bail amounts).
As a co-signer, you are responsible for the bond cost. If later the full bail amount is owed because the person skips court, that financial obligation may fall on the co-signer’s shoulders.
Common Questions About Robbery Bail Bonds in San Antonio
How long does it take to get someone released after a robbery arrest?
After posting bond, people are often released in a few hours, after administrative processing is complete, but it can take up to 24 hours. A good bondsman can help speed up the process.
Can bail be denied for robbery charges?
The magistrate can deny bail for robbery under certain circumstances, such as if the person charged already has two felony convictions.
Due to the recent passing of Proposition 3, Texas magistrates as of January 1, 2026 must deny bail for aggravated robbery, according to CBS News. This new law will likely face legal challenges. Bail bondsmen will be aware of any future changes and their implications.
What happens if the defendant violates bail conditions?
If a person violates court-imposed bail conditions, they may have bail revoked and await trial in detention, or even owe the full bail amount.
Does the bail bond fee change for felony charges?
In Texas, robbery is a felony (whereas theft can sometimes be a misdemeanor). Felonies generally have much higher bail amounts, and more rigid bail restrictions, than misdemeanors.
Need Help Now? River City Bail Bonds Is Here
Attempting to navigate the legal system alone can be confusing and stressful. A bondsman who understands the bail process can guide a family through a loved one’s robbery arrest.
River City Bail Bonds has worked for a long time with the Bexar County and San Antonio court systems. They know how to get someone out on bail fast, and can clearly explain the choices you’ll have to make; choices with big future financial and legal implications.
The faster someone acts after an arrest, the faster they can make bail and begin mounting a legal defense. So if you’ve just gotten a call that a loved one is charged with robbery, contact River City Bail Bonds for assistance, and make the best of a difficult situation. If you need more information on how bail works in these cases, our Robbery Bail Bonds page breaks down what to expect and how we can help.
